Lemon Cheesecake Bars: A Refreshing Dessert Recipe You’ll Love

Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons. As someone who has always had a passion for baking, I can tell you that these bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor and texture. Originating from the classic cheesecake, these bars have become a beloved favorite in many households, especially during the warmer months when citrus fruits are at their peak.

What I love most about Lemon Cheesecake Bars is their versatility. They are easy to make, and their refreshing taste makes them a perfect ending to any meal or a sweet snack during the day. The smooth, creamy filling paired with a buttery graham cracker crust creates a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a quick dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Lemon Cheesecake Bars are sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the cheesecake filling:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• For the topping (optional):
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Fresh berries (like raspberries or blueberries)
• Whipped cream

Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your cheesecake bars bake evenly.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir them together until they are well mixed.
3. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. This will create a solid base for your cheesecake bars.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. This step helps to set the crust and gives it a nice crunch.
6. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Preparing the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Add in the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined. The mixture should be fluffy and light.
3. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making it light and airy.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well combined. The lemon juice and zest will give your cheesecake bars that refreshing citrus flavor.
5. Once the filling is smooth and creamy, pour it over the cooled crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Baking the Cheesecake Bars

1. Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the edges to be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. This will ensure that your cheesecake bars are creamy and not overcooked.
2. Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven for about 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps to prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
3. After an hour, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! Chilling is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the bars to set properly.

Assembling and Serving

1. Once the cheesecake bars are fully chilled, it’s time to cut them into squares. I like to use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Wipe the knife with a paper towel between cuts for the best results.
2. If desired, dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
3. For an extra special touch, serve the bars with fresh berries and a dollop of

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Lemon Cheesecake Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors. The creamy texture combined with the zesty lemon makes for a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or simply a treat for yourself after a long day. I highly recommend serving these bars chilled, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh berries on top for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding a hint of lavender or a swirl of raspberry puree to the cheesecake mixture for a unique twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making these Lemon Cheesecake Bars yourself. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful dessert together! Print
   

   Lemon Cheesecake Bars: A Refreshing Dessert Recipe You’ll Love

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 300 minutes
   • Yield: 12 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Indulge in these creamy lemon cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for any occasion!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
   • ½ cup granulated sugar
   • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
   • 3 large eggs
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1/4 cup sour cream
   • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
   • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
   • Powdered sugar for dusting
   • Fresh berries (like raspberries or blueberries)
   • Whipped cream

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   Instructions

   1. Preparing the Crust:
      1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
      2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed.
      3. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
      4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
      5. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool.
   2. Preparing the Cheesecake Filling:
      1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
      2. Add the granulated sugar and beat until fluffy.
      3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
      4. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
      5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
   3. Baking the Cheesecake Bars:
      1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
      2. Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let cool in the oven for 1 hour.
      3. Remove from the oven, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
   4. Assembling and Serving:
      1. Cut into squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
      2. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
      3. Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.

   Notes

   • For a richer flavor, you can use full-fat cream cheese.
   • Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as chocolate sauce or caramel drizzle.
   • These cheesecake bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 40 minutes